While in South Africa, it was
only a few hours drive into Namibia. I was just across the border along the
coast in the diamond
country
on one sojourn but we did not cross over. At that point all I could see for
miles and miles were sand dunes. Not a blade of grass or bush; let alone a
person.

I was traveling with James
Adams, the local pastor for a number of churches, and Mike Spiller, a games
person who also does strings. When we were in Springbok, it seemed appropriate
to make the trip. Driving through the foothills and arid land of the Kalahari
Desert, one wondered if there were any way to make a living and thought it
remarkable that the early people could survive. We crossed into Namibia without
any problem. No visa required. Just pay a road tax and you are in. When James
was asked if he had anything to declare, he said “Yes.” “Jesus Christ is Lord.”
They smiled and waved us on.

Driving through the arid land,
we drove through Grunau and finally came to Krasburg. It was a holiday so most
things were closed, including the one hotel restaurant. We found a local eatery
and ordered the blue plate special…goat, rice and cucumbers. Of
course, Coke is everywhere and available to accompany our meal.

While waiting, I went outside
and was met by some boys begging for change. Instead of giving them change, I
reached into my pocket and gave them each a string. What a fun time we had…me
teaching them and them teaching me. I went in to eat and when we finished…they
were out there with some friends wanting more. We spent a good part of the
afternoon working with those boys, some men who happened along and a few other
onlookers.

Even though these were some of
the poorest of the poor in Africa, they have a part of them that loves to have
fun, create and communicate with others. I could have given them a few coins
that they would have immediately spent, but rather gave them a string that I
would venture to guess that some of them still have. What a great way to share
the love of Christ with some people. It was not a long time of sharing, just an
impromptu event in a few lives. But, I am sure some of them still remember when
those two white men came to their town with strings.